Lorries transporting perishable items such as meat, cheese, and cut flowers from the EU into the UK are facing delays of up to 20 hours at a key Brexit border post due to failures in the government's IT systems. These delays have resulted in significant disruptions, impacting the shelf life of products and causing retailers to refuse certain orders, leading to financial losses for businesses.
The introduction of new border control checks as part of the post-Brexit import regime has been heavily criticized by businesses, with the government's Automatic Licence Verification System (ALVS) experiencing multiple outages since the checks were implemented. A particularly disruptive incident occurred at the Sevington post in Kent, where several lorries were delayed for hours ranging from eight to 20 due to a system failure necessitating manual document checks.
Despite the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) downplaying the delays, many businesses have reported severe disruptions and a lack of communication during the chaotic weekend, causing frustration among importers, drivers, and customers alike. The ongoing IT issues at Brexit border posts highlight the challenges faced by businesses in navigating new import regulations, emphasizing the crucial need for reliable systems to support efficient and seamless trade.